Editor's Letter

Ad contents are not responsibility of Maxwell Brides. No portion of this guide may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher 801 W Nolana Ave. Suite 200, McAllen, Tx. 78501; (956) 222 6506 / (956) 648 8978.

Printing by Coloristas y Asociados, S.A. de C.V., Calzada de los Héroes 315, Col. Centro, León, Guanajuato. Tel. (477) 716.69.61

Publisher EditorGuillermo CruzAdministrator/ Production Manager:Olga Adame

Marketing Director:Marina Castillo

Graphic Designer:Ileana Monserrat Miranda GuzmánErnesto Adahir Cruz AlcarazAdrián Dario Vera Calderón

Contribution Writers/Translate:Wendy Estrada Building Bridges LIS

Contributing Photographers:David PezzatAnahi NavarroEdgar NavarroEric SierraJay CaballeroDany Ruiperez

Contributing Editor:Elia Noemi EscalantePublished by:Grupo Editorial Maxwell S.A de C.V

DistributionMaxwell Brides801 w Nolana Ave Suite 200McAllen, TX 78504(956) 222-6506 & (956) 475-7263

Email: olgaadame@maxwellmcallen.com guillermocruz@maxwellmcallen.com administration@maxwellmcallen.com Contributing Vendors:Susana RosserBrenda GuerraBlanca GonzalesDavid PezzatMary ChapaAnahi NavarroEdgar NavarroEric SierraJay CaballeroMaricela Salinas

GRUPO EDITORIAL MAXWELL S.A DE C.V.

Excitement, nervousness all these can describe what you are feeling right now. Future Brides, trust that no matter what happens during the planning; in the end, things will turn out wonderfully. It is OK to have multiple unexpected “glitches” during the planning process that can be frustrating and disappointing at the time, but in the end, on your wedding day everything will turn out more perfectly than you could have planned or imagined.

You are about to start a journey with one of the most important person in your life. Marriage, well we all know what it is, but definitely the meaning of this word is going to change as the years go by. The dictionary defines marriage as: a ceremony in which two people are married to each other. Do you think it’s only about the ceremony? Maxwell Brides believes that marriage is about the relationship that exists between a husband, wife and values. In this edition, we have the pleasure to present to you a sweet couple that is celebrating 50 years of marriage; they are sharing their secret for a successful marriage with us.

In this edition Maxwell Brides has for you the most exclusive vendors in the area, plus tons of ideas that will make a difference in your very special day such as decoration trends, invitation types and much more.

P. S. Don’t Forget to involve you fiancé, remember that this is the first big project of you both. Have fun!

Maxwell Brides

ON THE FRONT COVER:Photography:David PezzatLocation: Memory Lane Photo Spotwww.memorylanephotospot.comDress: Sposa Mia CoutureJewelry:Karla's Jewelry & GiftsStylist:Olga Adame & Marina CastilloHair & Makeup:Mary ChapaBridal Bouquet:Special Flowers CoutureModel:Krystina Ginther

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Index

HONEYMOON DESTINATIONBora Bora

FINANCEBudgeting for your wedding

12

14

16

22

24

PHOTOGRAPHERJay Caballero

ANNIVERSARY50 years wedding

SPOSA MIA COUTURE“Eve Of Milady Wedding Dresses”

ETERNAL LOVETil death do us part

INVITATION Tips on your wedding invitations

Pho

to: D

avid

Pez

zat

32

3444

26

28

30 WINESTraviata

DECORWedding decor in whiteWEDDINGS

ENGAGEMENT

DECORWedding decor in white

Jay Caballero “Photography is not a job; it is my passion and part of who I am.”

At a very young age, Jay Caballero discovered his passion for photography crediting his grandfather who personally had a knack for photography. This was back in the day when photographs were developed in a black room with a red light and allowed imagination to fall within the realms of creativity. In the beginning, Jay first started utilizing his artistic expressions by painting sceneries and later developing a passion for making time stand still. His interest in the field vastly grew as did his portrayal of doing the best he could to redefine his unique stance

in the field. Photography is an extension of his personality: easy going, creative with a mix of fashion and elegance, always trying to think outside of the box, and a form of expression. Jay is an individual who is always striving for perfection and is very meticulous about the delivery of his end product. His work has gained national recognition due to his ability to capture extraordinary images right on cue. Much of his work has been featured in numerous online and print publications including Grace Ormonde Wedding in Style, Jetfete, My Inspired Wedding, and many more. Jay has travelled across the country to capture moments that many will be treasure for generations.

Jay is also a leader in his community that he and his wife hold dear at heart. He hosts a monthly meeting with other professionals around the Rio Grande Valley and focuses on better serving individuals in the community that have allowed and supported him and his creativity at many different levels. Jay is a Pictage User Group (PUG) Leader - which is his lab of choice for developing his photographs. He enjoys connecting with the photography community and sharing ideas with peers around the area and state. As an artist, he finds it of benefit to serve as a mentor to others that share the same field as he does. Even though his time is limited due to being involved artistically and in the community, he always finds time to share a helping hand in Thirst for a Cure. This is an organization that brings clean water to those that are less fortunate. He is also raised awareness by auctioning a wedding collection with proceeds benefiting Susan G Komen for the cure.

Jay says photography is not a job; it is his passion and part of who he is. He delights in finding art in the beauty and details of the wedding day and looks forward to many more weddings. One of the greatest challenges he enjoys the most is finding ways to reinvent himself and his work to provide top quality works of art for presentation.

By: Maxwell Brides • Photo by: Jay Caballero Photographers12 Photographer

Invitations by: Nocta • Photo by: Jay Caballero Photography 14 Invitation

Tips on your Wedding InvitationsWedding invitations not only let others know about your wedding, but they give an important preview as to the style of the event. Wedding invitations come in a few basic varieties, each of which says something different about the wedding. Which one works for you?

• Typical small invitation: basic information included.

• Photo cards: Showing off the happy couple.

• Greeting cards style: Those that are decorated more completely.

Things you want to consider before you decide:

• Wedding style. The last thing you want is an invitation that gives the wrong impression of the wedding, so try to find something matches your wedding’s style.

• Shipping weight. The more your wedding invitations weigh, the more they will cost to ship.

• Names included on the invitation. Parents are typically included on the invitation, but this might not be feasible

for those with multiple stepparents or awkward relations.

• Wedding location information. A mistake on the address or the time might require reprints, which can be expensive.

Details that make the difference…Make the invitations totally yours! Every item in a wedding tends to require an accessory or two. Wedding invitations, of course, are no different.

If you want to keep a coherent theme throughout the wedding, you might want to consider a few of the basic stationary types that tend to accompany the invitations themselves. Don’t forget about the envelopes, the RSVP card and the “save the date” announcement!

“Eve Of Milady Wedding Dresses”

Creative Concept:Lupita Caballero Blanca Gonzales

Photographer: Jay Caballero Photography (www.jaycaballero.com)

MUA: Mary ChapaHair: Mayre Hernandez

Location: Dream Weddings by All Party Rentals

Flowers: Special Flowers Couture

Lighting and Special Effects: Backstage Production

Model:Yesenia Veliz & Sofia Ureña

912 N 10th Street McAllen, Texas 78501

(956) 683-8740

Email: beautifulbrides@sposamia.com

www.sposamia.com

by: MAXWELL BRIDES • Photo by: Wy Studio

"50 Years of Love" Gustavo & Graciela Vela

22 Anniversary

In the year 1962, we were invited to a training at the Red Cross in Tampico, Tamaulipas. My sister accompanied me, Gustavo was with a friend, who introduced us, and honestly I can say that it was love at first sight. At that moment, I met the most handsome man in the world and he felt the same for me. From there, we began a friendship that with time became stronger. On July 11, 1964, we finally got married!For us, our wedding day was the happiest of our lives, because we felt like we were in a fairy tale, we got married totally in love and admiring each other.

At this time, what we enjoy the most about our marriage, is to remember everything that we have lived together, the

beautiful family that we have become. We are very proud of our 5 siblings, all successful professionals; we also have 15 grandchildren that we love with all our hearts.

There are several things that we consider to be essential for a successful marriage. •First of all, take the decision to love. •Empathy (Get in the other person’s shoes).•Communication is fundamental. •But the most important thing is to have God as the center of your family.The most common behaviors that harm a relationship are: •Being selfish •The lack of communication and •The lack of humility, to ac-knowledge our mistakes.

A phrase that we love is:Don't wonder if you're happy; ask yourself if the people that live with you are happy.

VENDORS Hair & Makeup: Mary ChapaJewelry: Karla's Jewelry & GiftsPhotographer: Wy Studio

24 By: Maxwell Brides • Contributor: Tomas Carrasco • Photo by: CourtesyEternal love

‘‘Til Death Do Us Part”... In loving memory of Jessica

Each and every one of us is sentenced to death from the moment we are born. Although this is the only real certainty with which we humans can count on, pain and anxiety are inevitable.

It’s not merely that our loved one has passed away or that we’ve lost our life long partner. In addition, we also have the feeling of not being able to love once again or that of being loved in return. We no longer have a deep and intimate relationship, feel protected or cherished by the person who knew us best in this life. Now everything has changed,

The body is not eternal, but love is."The love I have for Jessica will never go or fade away. When people

tell me "time heals all pain" I think to myself, it’s not that the pain goes

away, it’s that you have to learn to cope with it.” - Tom

the scent of the home, the routine, our marital status, our newly empty bed, the sunrise and sunsets; never again will it be the same.

“It hurts so much and it’s hard to deal with, but everybody has to go through this. In the end, when we all pass away, we know that next time we meet with our loved ones, we will be with them for eternity.”

*We want to give thanks to Tom Carrasco for opening his heart and expressing his feelings in the most respectful way.

The dress26 Honeymoon Destination By: SANDRA BRAUN R. • PHOTO BY: COURTESY

Bora Bora Romantic Paradise

Serene, beautiful, exuberant, mar-velous, paradise – Bora Bora is all this and more! It is the ideal setting for the romantic honeymoon we’ve all dreamed about. Located in the Southern Pacific, between South America and Australia, it is part of the French Polynesian islands and is without a doubt heaven on earth.

From the center of the island emerges the tallest volcano, Mount Otemanu, at 727 meters (2,385 feet) – the most photographed location

from this beautiful island – which can be reached after a scenic two hour trek, rendering visitors speechless at the surprisingly impressive and unparalleled view.

But this adventure would not be complete without a stay in the distinctive bungalows which hover the sea. These structures are surrounded by a lagoon of blues, turquoises and greens with tropical fish swimming at your feet –literally – and are protected by a barrier reef

27By: SANDRA BRAUN R. • PHOTO BY: COURTESY

which prevents a rise in the surf, maintaining the serene ambiance. With food delivered directly to your room by canoe, letting yourself be spoiled is the number one priority here and the locals are experts in this, never ceasing to amaze with excellent service and hospitality.

The Lagoonarium found in the town of Viatape is the hot spot for swimming, diving and snorkeling with marine animals including: turtles, dolphins, sting rays, schools of multicolored fish and even reef sharks. After which, a scenic tour of the rest of the island is possible via jeep or horseback.

Another tourist spot is the located at Fitiiu Point which is home to historic WWII remnants. Here canyons remain, left behind by U.S.

soldiers in their struggle against the Japanese which utilized the island as a combat base. From here travel across the lush wilderness of Bora Bora by bicycle is an experience that will leave you breathless with a surprise at every turn due to the rich variety of tropical flora.

No honeymoon would be complete without a romantic sunset cruise adorned with food, music, leis, and most importantly – love; you’ll never want it to end.

Bora Bora is the destination of your dreams. Bring your honeymoon to life with all the exquisite colors, vibrant nature and seductive allure that it can bring. Let yourself be entranced by its beauty because it’s the one memory you will never want to forget.

Budgeting for your weddingTo what should you give priority?

IMPORTANT TIP: Never seek loans to pay for wedding expenditures. Beginning your married life with debt isn’t the ideal in regards to finances or implications for the couple.

By: Perla Camarena Jiménez, Financial Advisor | Image: Gfxtra28 Finance

29Finance

Luisa and Mark have decided to unite their lives forever, the gorgeous engagement ring has found a home on her finger, and

now the next step is to prepare for the wedding. Traditionally, the expenditures for the religious ceremony, bridal gown, and honeymoon fall on the groom, and everything related to the recep-tion is usually paid for by the bride’s family. In recent years, since couples don’t get married at such a young age anymore and are in better finan-cial positions they often decide to pay for their own wedding.

Prior to creating your wedding budget, the first task is to estimate the amount of resources you have at your disposal and estimate the cost of wedding expenditures in order to get an unders-tanding of what you have to work with. The most costly and important tasks should be listed first with consideration for other options in order to optimize your budget:

• Wedding gown and Trousseau: For most, the wedding gown is the first thing that comes to mind. It is advisable to seek bridal gowns from a previous season that are just as gorgeous and flattering as the one from the current season in order to find a more favorable budget-friendly price.

• Religious Ceremony: In order to justify choosing the venue you prefer, consider money-saving op-tions like sharing the floral decoration costs with other weddings taking place the same day and

avoiding party favors that guests may not keep in exchange to pay for choir costs and the sum allotted to the priest for the ceremony.

• Photography: Don’t hesitate to splurge a litt-le on this one, after all these are mementos for life. Photography will help you remember those special feelings from your wedding day, it’s cru-cial to find a photographer that meets your style and is attentive to the moments that are most important to you.

• The Banquet: Here the starting point is at your guest list; this is a difficult but imperative step because this is where most of the budget goes to. Remember, it’s more important that your guests remember your wedding because they enjoy themselves. Consider investing in their enjoyment: find a live band or DJ.

• Honeymoon: The Honeymoon is the beginning of your journey as husband and wife; remember that packages, which include airplane and hotel, are always a great option.

Lastly we can conclude that the purpose of crea-ting a wedding budget is to organize and define expenses so as to prioritize the most important details, and eliminate the unnecessary ones to maintain within your financial means. Being that this is your first grand expense as a couple, it is good practice to make sound financial de-cisions that will pave the way for a financially solid and organized life together.

By: Perla Camarena Jiménez, Financial Advisor | Image: Gfxtra 29

30 By: Maxwell Brides • Photo by: CourtesyWines

Toast at your weddingAfter much anticipation, your special day has arrived. The heartfelt ceremony is complete, and you look forward to entering the reception hall as husband and wife-a journey you have planned for more than a year. Time to celebrate how? Well, Traviata recomends to provide two popular bottles of wine at each table.

Vega Sicilia / Valbuena 5º Año 2006Dense ruby core. Punchy on the palate with strong berry flavors and some mild spicy notes. Medium to full bodied wine with generous, lush tannins and a soft texture. Long spicy finish.

Vega-Silicia Reserva EspecialVega Sicilia's Reserva Especial has no vintage and is representative of the more traditional concept of Spanish winemaking. The winery seeks to continue a very old Spanish custom and bring together a collection of different vintages in perfect harmony.

2011 Bramare Malbec, Valle de UcoDeep, dark indigo to the eye with the true purple reflections on the edge expected from superior Uco Valley fruit. The palate is fresh, with lively notes of blueberry, cream, black licorice and chocolate-infused tannins.

Monteabellon Finca La BlanqueraIntense red color. Rich aromas with notes of blackberry jam with elegant tosted tones. In mouth it's fleshy and velvety, with a long and persistent ending.

2009 Paradigm Oakville Cabernet SauvignonThis Cabernet has luscious black cherry and blackberry aromas with a bit of mocha, red licorice and spice. On the palate, the wine is a big round mouthful of flavor, power and elegance.

Selección Suprema De HerraduraAging for four years gives this world-class tequila its amber color and spectacular flavor blend of rose petal, vanilla and citrus with an amazing aroma and sweet cocoa-like finish.

Traviata Wine & Liquors4313 N Conway Unit #5, Palmhurst 78573(956) 205-2282

By: Maxwell Brides • Photo by: Anahi Navarro32 Decor

Wedding Décorin WHITEWhite flowers represent purity and endless love. And what’s more pure of heart than your wedding day? One advantage all white bouquets have is that they are multitalented with any reception theme or bridal party color. White flowers aren’t tied to a particular season either. This color remains stylish and elegant whether it’s a winter white reception indoors or a hand-tied bouquet of summer blos-soms at an outdoor venue …

33Decor

VENDORS:Photographer: Anahi NavarroFlowers: Special Flowers CoutureRentals/Linens: Dream Wedding by All Party RentalsCake: Honey's Cakes

The dress34 Wedding By: MAXWELL BRIDES • Photo by: Eric Sierra

Victoria& SteveOur wedding day was flawless! All of our vendors went well above and beyond all of our expectations. From our vivid linens to sweet treats, it was a truly delightful wedding day. What made our wedding experience particularly great was our photographer Eric Sierra. He promptly developed a mural of our engagement photo for our wedding entrance and the guest book was very uniquely colorful! Residing in Dallas and having the wedding in McAllen, Texas; Eric really was efficient at utilizing our short time in

VENDORSPhotographer: Eric Sierra photographyCake & Cupcakes: Honey's Cakes

the RGV. He and his team were able to photograph the bridal session, the first look, before the ceremony couples photo and of course the exchanging of the vows. In addition, we took photos together after the ceremony and during the reception with our loved ones. Esteban and I really cherish the photos taken with our mothers' the most. His professionalism and presentation of photos are excellent and we would highly recommend his work to everyone! Thank you Eric & team!

The dress36 Wedding By: MAXWELL BRIDES • Photo by: David Pezzat

Tony & ChristinaVENDORSPhotographer: David Pezzat

The dress38 Wedding By: MAXWELL BRIDES • Photo by: Eric Sierra

Andrea & Gilbert

Our wedding day finally arrived! Everything came together perfectly, from the decorations to the food. Everyone had a great time! Most important, it was a day where we became one. Gilbert and I spent a year and a half planning our perfect day, but we didn’t lose track of what was truly important. It was about the celebration of love we have for each other and the promise of commitment that we gave to each other in front of God, our family and friends. We would like to thank our family who came from near and far for this special day, our friends who helped make our reception a party to remember, and our vendors who did an amazing job in helping us put together our special day.

VENDORSPhotographer: Eric SierraWedding Dress: Sposa Mia Couture

Wedding 39

The dress40 Wedding By: MAXWELL BRIDES • Photo by: David Pezzat

Leslie & VictorVENDORSPhotographer: David PezzatFlowers: Special Flowers,Linens: Dream Weddings by All Party RentalsWedding Planner: Ector Casas Events

The dress42 Wedding By: MAXWELL BRIDES • Photo by: Katbevel.com

Sonia & Octavio

VENDORSPhotographer: KATBEVEL.COMLinens/Rentals: Dream Weddings by All Party RentalsFlowers: Zoe Flowers

I had always envisioned my wedding ceremony in an elegant, vibrant chapel followed by an intimate, candlelit reception in a historic venue. To my surprise, not only did I find exactly what I was looking for, also found the perfect vendors to make it come to life. Guests praised the gorgeous flowers and decorations from Zoe's and Dream Wedding by All Party Rentals. The icing on the cake was, sharing this experience next to the most kind and loving man my best friend.

The dress44 Wedding By: MAXWELL BRIDES • Photo by: Jay Caballero

Abbie & Raymond

VENDORSPhotographer: Jay CaballeroCake: Honey's Cake

The dress46 By: MAXWELL BRIDES • Photo by: Jay Caballero Photographers46 Engagement

Stephanie & Demetrio How we met: we met in Kingsville, TX. We both attended Texas A&M University Kingsville. My roommate was having a get together when I walked into my living room and there he was. The rest was a start to our love story.

The proposal: Two times at different locations Demetrio started saying "you know I Love you" then he stopped to hold back his tires, by this time I had an idea of what he was trying to say. When at my parent’s home he got the courage and got down on one knee. He started to place the ring on my right and my brother walked into the room to ask a question, never noticing anything, and then walked out. Demetrio then continued to ask placing the ring on the correct hand. I said "Yes"!!! Then we laughed.

Nathaly & RudyOur love story began 3 ½ years ago when my best friend Franco called and asked me to meet him at a local bar, said he wanted to introduce me to his co-worker. I was hesitant to go at first but after I arrived I was glad I went. When I met Rudy we instantly hit it off. The next day he called me and we had our first lunch date, after that we were inseparable.

By: Maxwell Brides • Photo by: Jay Caballero48 Engagement

VENDORS Photographer: Jay Caballero PhotographyVenue- D'Gala Event CenterChurch & Ceremony Music- Viol Consort

Two years and four months later on Valentine’s Day he asked if I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him and without hesitation I accepted. On June 21, 2014 we will say our vows to each other in front of God and have our happily ever after.

The dress50 By: Maxwell Brides • Photo by: David Pezzat

Lyssa & Manny Love really does happen when you least expect it and our story is no exception. I was a pharmacy student back then and it never occurred to me that I would find my future husband during my first summer internship in the valley. Because our interest for each other was not evident until the end of my internship, we only went out on 2 dates before I had to move back to San Antonio. Manny luckily was in the process of getting promoted to district manager in the Austin area so our love was able to grow and blossom despite the distance. It’s been 4 years since we first met and he still has the ability to surprise me, especially the time in Port Aransas when he put my engagement ring

in a fortune cookie and proposed. I can’t wait for our wedding on September 20, 2014 when we can celebrate the start of our life together with our family and friends.

VENDORSPhotographer: David Pezzat PhotographersEvent coordinator: Ector Casas EventsFlowers: Special Flowers CoutureRentals: Dream Weddings by All Party Rentals

50 Engagement

The dress52

Two strangers destined to be Best Friends. A love story that began with two people who took a chance. While celebrating her birthday at a nearby club, Anna never thought that night would be the night she would meet the love of her life. As the night was about to end, George went up to Anna and asked her to dance. Not a fan of dancing, Anna was hesitant, but finally said yes and took a chance. Since that night, Anna & George have been inseparable. A few months later, on February 14, 2012, George asked Anna to be his girlfriend. They both share a passion for travel and adventure, and it was on a trip to Cancun the Summer of 2013 that

By: MAXWELL BRIDES • Photo by: Eric Sierra52 Engagement

Annayancy & George

Photographer: Eric Sierra

brought them closer together. On one knee and with a ring on his hand, George proposed to Anna. The love story had just begun, and that’s when Anna knew that he was “The One”. Anna & George are set to be married on March 13, 2014 in Cancun, Quintana Roo. Together with friends and family and their puppy Rocco, they will forever unite their lives. Annayancy Rodriguez is a Teacher at Hidalgo ISD and is in the Masters program at The University of Texas Pan American studying Educational Psychology. George Garza is owner and CEO of C2P photography and video.

The dress54

Rick and I met at work; we passed each other down the halls. I can honestly say I was always too busy to pay attention to the signs. He made the effort of letting me know he was interested by letting the secret slip into the hands of a good friend of his who he sent to ask for my phone number. He was persistent and determined he wanted to get to know me better. Despite me being skeptical about starting a relationship with a coworker, I decided to roll with it and see where it would lead. After 2 months of talking/texting, we had our first date. April 22, 2012 changed my life; he asked me to be his girlfriend. Then, 8 months later, the man who fell into my life unannounced asked me to be his wife. It was all I could have imagined and more. We now prepare to share the rest of our lives together.

By: MAXWELL BRIDES • Photo by: David Pezzat • Location: Casa los Ebanos

Blanca & Ricardo

54 Engagement

VENDORS: Photographer: David Pezzat PhotographersLocation: Casa Los Ebanos

“This one is from our first Valentine’s Day. He knows yellow is my favorite color.”

“This one is our first child’s birthstone.”“I liked this one because it was so unique.”

“This one belonged to my grandmother.” “This one is my wedding band.”

LA PLAZA MALL-VALLE VISTA MALL-SUNRISE MALL- WWW.PORTILLOJEWELERS.COM

THE ENGAGEMENT R I N G E X P E R T S